Back in 2005, Israel’s plan to expand a high-security prison at the village of Megiddo in the Jezreel Valley (a region also known as Armageddon) resulted in a discovery that has rocked the world of archeology—the mosaic floor of an early Christian prayer or worship hall. It is said to be the oldest such worship space ever found.
The Megiddo Mosaic covers approximately 581 square feet and consists of small stone tiles, or tesserae, artistically arranged to form geometric designs, symbols, and Greek inscriptions that not only provide a remarkable—and unprecedented—glimpse into third-century Christianity but also help to discredit a prized hypothesis of New Testament critics.
In their theory, which was propagated in part by the fictional novel The DaVinci Code, skeptics assert that Jesus never claimed to be God and that early Christians did not worship Him as divine. They, along with fictional characters within the novel, suggest that “Jesus’ divinity came from a vote”—contending that Jesus wasn’t proclaimed to be God until church leaders assembled and voted at the Council of Nicaea in AD 325, about 12 years after the Roman emperor Constantine officially approved Christianity.
A Unique Find
Because persecution was so widespread before Christianity was legalized across the Roman Empire in AD 313 with the Edict of Milan, believers often had to worship in secret, making the Megiddo Mosaic a unique find. There are no similar discoveries that approach its significance.
The age of the mosaic remains undisputed. Coins, pottery sherds, and other clues from the site accurately date the mosaic to around AD 230—almost 100 years before the Council of Nicaea. This is a crucial point when considering the inscriptions and symbols within the mosaic.
Altogether, the floor contains three inscriptions—along with additional elements—that are worth examining, as they contain fascinating details that clearly identify the mosaic as Christian. Take the two fish symbols within the medallion at the center of the largest decorated panel, for instance, which have been identified as a sea bass and tuna. Some have linked these images with the miracle Jesus performed in feeding the 5,000 with the loaves and two fish.
Plus, you’re likely aware that the fish was used as an early symbol of Christianity. But why? Because in Greek, the primary language of most early Christians, the word for “fish” is ichthys (ἰχθύς)—which was adopted as an acronym for “Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior.”
Within the same panel as the fish symbols is an inscription, enclosed in a rectangle frame pattern, acknowledging by name the sponsor of the floor as well as the mosaic artist. It reads: “Gaianus, also called Porphyrius, centurion, our brother, has made the mosaic at his own expense as an act of generosity. Brutius has carried out the work.”
Gaianus, a Roman centurion, was likely stationed at the nearby Sixth Legion military camp, called Legio, a site that began excavation in 2013. It’s unclear whether he was simply a generous supporter of the Christian group that worshipped there or if he was a believing member of the assembly, though the genial phrase “our brother” could indicate the latter.
An inscription on the opposite end of the mosaic reads: “Remember Primilla and Cyriaca and Dorothea, and lastly, Chreste.” The big question is, who were these women? In an era where persecution was commonplace, it’s possible that they were martyrs. Yet, they could have been memorialized for other reasons.
The Third Inscription
The final inscription refers to a donated table positioned in the center of the floor. Scholars believe the table was probably used for the celebration of communion, known to some Christians as the Eucharist or The Lord’s Supper. In this ordinance, Christians partake of bread and wine as a memorial of Jesus’ death and resurrection—and a looking forward to His return to Earth when He will gather to Himself all those who belong to Him.
The most significant of all the mosaic’s lettering, the inscription referencing this table, reads: “The god-loving Akeptous has offered the table to God Jesus Christ as a memorial.” Here, Jesus is referred to as God in very straightforward language, which reveals the belief of these early Christians and validates the Bible’s testimony in this regard. Some believe that this statement constitutes the earliest reference, outside of Holy Scripture, to Jesus as God.
This inscription, written nearly a century before the Council of Nicaea, robustly discredits the previously stated claims of New Testament skeptics—blowing the lid off their misguided theory.
So, does the mosaic prove that Jesus was God, as some Christians have irresponsibly claimed? Of course not; as is the case with most biblical archeological finds, it doesn’t “prove” anything. What it does do is offer powerful evidence corroborating the New Testament’s stance that Jesus did indeed claim to be God—and that early Christians worshiped Him as such.
After months of careful preservation, the Israel Antiquities Authority has graciously loaned this magnificent artifact to the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C., where it is currently on display until July 6, 2025. This astounding archeological discovery meshes perfectly with the Bible narrative, supporting the accuracy of Scripture and underlining its reliability.
Once again, an argument against God’s Word has been overturned. The Bible tells us, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). God wants us to know we can fully trust what He has said, and that living by His truth leads to salvation in Christ.
Want to know more about why you can trust the Bible? Read our free Study Guide here.